This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
CONSTRUCTION activity in NSW will return to normal more than 10 weeks after the industry was initially shutdown, following strong uptake of vaccinations.
From next Monday 27 September, in recognition of rocketing vaccination rates amongst young construction workers, the 50% capacity cap will be removed for all construction sites, provided they can ensure the one person per four sqm rule. Exceptions apply for workers from the 12 Sydney local government areas, who will still only be allowed to leave their area for work if they are vaccinated.
Outside of healthcare, the NSW construction industry is now leading the way with vaccination rates.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said construction was crucial to the economy, directly employing 380,000 people and contributing about $46.8 billion.
“The construction industry is a key driver of economic activity in the state and the industry will play an integral role in reviving the NSW economy in the wake of the pandemic.” Perrottet said.
Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest welcomed the announcement and singled out Perrottet and the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, for their leadership role in securing the re-opening.
Forrest said the industry was thrown into turmoil on July 17 when the premier made the shock announcement of the complete shutdown throwing workers and businesses into disarray.
“From that day, the Urban Taskforce led the push for a safe re-opening of the sector. Two weeks later, on July 31, there was a partial reopening followed by the application of the restrictions that still apply today on August 7th.
“The construction sector has worked closely with the government to promote the vaccination of its workforce and to ensure work sites are and remain safe at all times. By working with the construction sector, and offering an incentive to get vaccinated (the opportunity to work), the vaccination rate among young construction workers has rocketed upwards. Outside the health professions, our industry is now leading the way,” Forrest said.
“This is great news for the hundreds of thousands of workers that comprise this industry – an industry that delivers 11% of all the economic activity in NSW. ” Forrest said.
Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said the removal reflects the positive response by construction workers to the call to get vaccinated but also the collaborative approach taken to reduce the risks of COVID transmission.
“Construction is now the exemplar industry in NSW having further tightened existing comprehensive protocols and implemented enhanced COVID-safe management plans.
“Our approach to vaccinating the construction industry has been to encourage and facilitate.
“From member awareness campaigns to toolbox information sessions with medical experts and paid time off to get vaccinated, we have done everything possible to encourage and facilitate vaccination.
“NSW construction workers are to be commended for responding to calls to ‘get the jab done’,” Davies said.
In contrast in Victoria, there were protests for the second day in a row after the state government announced a two-week shutdown on Monday night in response to the low vaccination take-up within the industry, 73% non compliance with public health orders and the rising number, over 400, of COVID cases from construction sites.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews released a statement last night condemning the protests.
“There is no excuse for the terrible behaviour we have seen in our city over the last two days. Acts of violence and disruption won’t result in one less case of Covid – in fact it only helps the virus to spread.
“We know vaccinations are our only ticket out of this pandemic. There is no other way. The more of us who get vaccinated, the fewer of us who will end up in hospital.” Andrews said.
The Property Council estimates the two-week lockdown will cost the Victorian economy $1.1 billion whilst the Master Builders said it will cost around $2 billion.
